As Halloween comes to a close and we roll into Thanksgiving, the race is on. Tis the season for busyness. For women it’s particularly taxing. If you’re anything like me, you long to bring a smile to your family’s faces and make the holidays bright. But at what cost? In the process, am I missing the better part for busyness?
It’s easy to be a Martha. Do you remember her from the Bible? She’s the one in the kitchen working while her sister, Mary, sat at Jesus’ feet. When she felt fully fed up, she complained to Him. “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!”
But instead of chastising Mary, Jesus said, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed-or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.”1
Sometimes in my busyness, like Martha, I lose sight of what is ‘better’ for what I perceive as ‘good’. Even though, preparing a delicious meal and making sure the house is clean, may seem good, what is the better part I’m missing?
Dr. Luke doesn’t elaborate on what Jesus said next to Martha or what she did. However, I’d like to think that she realized that relationship was the better part He spoke about. Perhaps she chose to simplify her meal prep so she could listen to Jesus like Mary. Can I do the same?
The most important element of holiday preparation is people. It’s not the flawless decorations or the delectable desserts. If the souffle falls or the turkey takes a little longer than anticipated to bake, this isn’t a catastrophe. But if I’m too busy in the kitchen to sit with my family and visit, then I am missing the better part. People must never be sacrificed for perfection.
So, as you head into the holiday season, don’t forget to add people into your preparation. Set aside time for conversation and fun. While you work to make your home hospitable, make a point to pray. Prayer is really just connecting with Jesus by conversing with Him as a dear friend. Sit at His feet like Mary. Don’t miss the better part for busyness.
Luke 10:40-41 NIV
